The Atlanta Falcons have signed to a four-year, $180 million contract on the opening day of free agency to stabilize the quarterback position after failed experiments with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder.
Once the team has drafted In the first round, it was only a matter of time before a quarterback controversy erupted in Atlanta. Cousins played well in the first two months of the season, but once “Kirk-tober” ended, the 36-year-old’s problems began.
The Falcons have lost three straight games since their 6-3 start. Cousins is going through arguably the worst stretch of his career, having thrown zero touchdowns and six interceptions over the last three games.
In the team With the Los Angeles Chargers, he threw four brutal interceptions, including a pick-six. This has led many in the NFL to call for a quarterback change. ESPN's Mina Kimes is the latest to suggest the Falcons bench Cousins and start Penix.
“He’s just not right,” Kimes said of Cousins. “There's something wrong with his footwork when he's in the middle and he has to turn and aim and honestly it just doesn't look right. It doesn't look like Kirk Cousins and I wonder if you drafted Michael Penix eighth overall. I criticized the decision. Dan, you defended it. I will criticize this decision even more if they don’t give Penix a chance this season if this continues.”
“You're wasting a season where you not only have a chance to win the division but could potentially advance if you see something with the young quarterback.” believes the Falcons should play Michael Penix Jr. this season 👀
– NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL)
Kimes is right and it's hard to argue against a quarterback change if Cousins continues to play poorly. The Falcons have a chance to win the division for the first time since 2016, and they can't put loyalty above the other 52 players on the roster.
“You're wasting a season that not only has a chance to win the division, but could potentially advance if you see something with the young quarterback,” Kimes concluded.
Cousins has rushed for 3,052 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season. There were moments when the quarterback played as well as anyone in the nfl. Then there are other times when cousins make decisions that go beyond a headache.
Meanwhile, Penix stays . We spoke with the rookie during the bye week and he continues to prepare like a starter.
“You know, beginner or not, I just make sure I'm always ready for the moment so that whenever that moment comes, I can shine.” .
It sounds like this moment could come sooner than we all expected.
